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Reference.org
HATNet Project
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<p>The Hungarian Automated Telescope Network (HATNet) project is a network of six small fully automated "HAT" telescopes. The scientific goal of the project is to detect and characterize <a href="/facts/Extrasolar_planets/zjfmqfUf">extrasolar planets</a> using the <a href="/facts/Methods_of_detecting_extrasolar_planets/vFIblQe9">transit method</a>. This network is used also to find and follow bright <a href="/facts/Variable_star/Ac8mp2gy">variable stars</a>. The network is maintained by the <a href="/facts/Harvard-Smithsonian_Center_for_Astrophysics/1MNDcvoo">Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian</a>. </p><p>The HAT acronym stands for <i>Hungarian-made Automated Telescope</i>, because it was developed by a small group of Hungarians who met through the Hungarian Astronomical Association. The project started in 1999 and has been fully operational since May 2001. </p>